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The American Dream Is Killing Us
Article

The American Dream Is Killing Us

Mark Manson, 2016

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Most every American man, woman and child has heard of “the American Dream” – having a beautiful family, a big house, the right job and the opportunity to gain even more if you only work hard enough. This dream, built on 200-plus years of unique geographical and economic conditions, is steadily becoming outdated. Blogger Mark Manson persuasively argues that clinging to the dream despite the reality of life today may prove toxic – both to individuals and to the nation at large. While always politically neutral, getAbstract recommends this article to everyone interested in ideological studies.

Summary

“The American Dream” lies at the core of US identity and culture. The dream’s premise – that with enough work anyone from anywhere can succeed in the US – springs from the experience of past generations of Americans. Today, Americans are better educated and more productive than ever before, and yet, more and more Americans struggle to achieve the dream. Why? The story of the American Dream goes something like this: Work hard, be smart and you’ll eventually get everything you “deserve.” If you don’t get what you deserve, then you must be “lazy or completely incompetent.” Many people...

About the Author

Mark Manson is an author, blogger, entrepreneur and personal development consultant.